Shappi Khorsandi makes live comedy thrilling

Friday 1 April 2011 12:57 BST

Well, that was a first for Shappi Khorsandi. Last night's performance nearly culminated in a serious is-there-a-doctor-in-the-house? punchline when the panel-show favourite failed to shake off a persistent asthmatic cough.

In the end the feisty yarn-spinner ploughed on and, despite clearly suffering, delivered a victorious set. Laughter really is the best medicine.

From the moment she skipped onstage this was one of those unique nights that makes live comedy so thrilling. And not because of the health scare. Bantering excitedly, Khorsandi quickly unearthed a sex therapist and was understandably so distracted that the script was nearly scrapped.

If there was a fault it was that there was a surfeit of warm-up, not enough focus, as she discussed her Iranian roots, essayed an impressive guinea pig impression and revealed an unlikely television role model - Morph, the brown animated figure in Take Hart.

By the time she reached the planned centrepiece, about her recent marital split, the breathless hacking was so persistent that an appeal for an inhaler went out. None was forthcoming but Dr Theatre did the trick, assisted by giggle-inducing reflections on being starstruck meeting Bob Geldof, single mumdom and the way that what we initially love about someone often ends up being what we want to stab them with a fork for.

Her marriage might have ended in failure but completing this gig was an absolute success. Don't worry, be Shappi.